I've made "weigh or measure something I eat" a daily "other goal". I have a digital scale where I prepare food and a pretty set of measuring cups and spoons. That said, I perversely refuse to use them too often. It's childish and stubborn and a quirk I'm trying to break.

I find the digital scale makes it a snap. It sits there in my kitchen prep area and i just drop each ingredient onto it, done. I find it less of a hassle than trying to measure by cups (which can be a real pain for solids, plus more to wash later).

Oh Missruth, "1/2 cup rice... not very much at all" - did i hear some wistfulness and resigned disappointment in that tone ha ha, yes rice, and also pasta, are two things that made me stop in my tracks and go whattttt?? THAT is a portion size? But but but but but!!! I usually eat 10x that much! (ohyeahrightthatswhyiamfat) lol.

I weigh and measure as much as possible. Over time I've learned more what certain portions look like so I can be flexible with estimates when needed.

Good luck finding what works for you!

MISSRUTH
Posts:
4,231
2/24/13 10:53 A

For a long time, I used measuring cups and spoons, plus the "deck of cards" thing, for meat. Now I'm also using a digital scale. I've started trying to guess how big the portion is, before I measure or weigh it, so I can see if I've become a more accurate judge of the correct portion size. The first time I saw a half cup of rice on the plate.... well it really isn't very much at all.

I would suggest you at least try the measuring cups-- most people already own a set of these. They'll work good for vegetables, pasta, rice (really easy to overdo it on the pasta & rice if you don't measure). For things that include a serving size on the package-- like crackers or pretzels-- I count them out and then put the package away.

I estimate. A 3 oz. serving of meat is about the size of your palm, or a cassette tape, for those who remember them haha.

I do measure out stuff like yogurt and liquids, oatmeal, etc., that can be measureable. A 2 oz. serving of pasta is a roll the size of a nickel, but the easier way to measure pasta is to put it in a measuring cup after you cook it.

Some people swear by a scale but the way I see if you aren't going to get your calories perfect anyway. I try to get as close as possible without becoming obsessive. The higher calorie foods, such as butter, peanut butter, etc usually come in teaspoon form and are easy to measure anyway.

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